NBA Draft 2013: NBA Mock Draft – Post Lottery Edition
The Cleveland Cavaliers have struck gold once again and have won the 2013 NBA Draft Lottery. While there is no great hype around the superstar potential in this draft, the ability of a number of these players to make a significant impact in the league should not be understated. Rarely do we see a class with this many talented big men, as well as a number of highly versatile wing players–all of whom could be special players if they reach their potential. There may be no franchise-changing stars, but that doesn’t stop this first round being full of potential long-term starters in the NBA and perhaps a number of all-star caliber performers. Here is the post-lottery HoopsHabit.com NBA Mock Draft.
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1. Cleveland Cavaliers – Nerlens Noel, PF/C
6’11”, 206 lbs, Kentucky, Freshman
The Cavaliers won their second draft lottery in just three seasons and will have a golden opportunity to add another young star to their core built around All-Star Kyrie Irving. Nerlens Noel is a prolific shot blocker, active defender and showed good development in his offense before an ACL tear cut his season short. The Cavaliers can showcase Anderson Varejao in the starting role until Noel is healthy enough to step on the court, but when he does, he should make an immediate defensive impact for a young Cleveland team. Noel, Irving, Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters becomes one of the best young cores in the league.
2. Orlando Magic – Trey Burke, PG
6’1”, 187 lbs, Michigan, Sophomore
Orlando may have missed out on the top overall pick, but they will have a perfect opportunity to add a talented guard to their already impressive young core. Trey Burke had a tremendous NCAA season and could be the perfect leader for a youthful Magic team. Burke is a born leader with deep range on his jump shot well beyond the NBA 3-point line, a great handle, good vision and competes on the defensive end. Concerns over his size were dismissed at the draft combine where his 6’1” height and 6’5” wingspan make him bigger than All-Star guards Chris Paul and Kyrie Irving.
3. Washington Wizards – Otto Porter, SF
6’8”, 198 lbs, Georgetown, Sophomore
The big winners on lottery day were the Washington Wizards, who rocketed up the board to the third pick. After the return of John Wall this season, the Wizards looked like a playoff team and will be competing to make the postseason in 2013-14. Otto Porter could be the most surefire contributor in the draft class with his versatility, length and ability to defend multiple positions. Fast and athletic, Porter would be great running the floor alongside Wall and would bring elite defensive potential to the Washington wings.
4. Charlotte Bobcats – Ben McLemore, SG
6’4”, 189 lbs, Kansas, Freshman
The Bobcats continue to have little luck in the draft lottery but in this case they may get their man despite dropping to the fourth pick. Ben McLemore is a tremendous shooting-guard prospect with elite athleticism, a pure shooting stroke and the raw ability to become a go-to scorer in the NBA. A great fit with other young Bobcats like Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, McLemore could become one of the game’s elite shooting guards if he reaches his potential.
5. Phoenix Suns – Victor Oladipo, SG
6’4”, 213 lbs, Indiana, Junior
The Phoenix Suns are in the early stages of a rebuild and will look to add the best player available with the fifth pick. Victor Oladipo is a uniquely talented, super athletic, defensive wing player who brings with him a great work ethic and attitude. Oladipo has the potential to become one of the league’s elite wing defenders, able to defend multiple positions with his length, speed and athleticism. Far from a one-dimensional player, Oladipo has shown the ability to contribute offensively with athletic finishes at the rim as well as a jumper that has improved and should continue to do so.
6. New Orleans Pelicans – Anthony Bennett, SF/PF
6’7”, 240 lbs, UNLV, Freshman
Dropping one spot in the draft lottery may not seem like a big deal, but it could be huge for the Pelicans who could potentially miss out on all of their top targets by a single position. With no standout at a position of need, the Pelicans take the best player on the board in Anthony Bennett, an offensively talented big man with the ability to score all over the court. Bennett has good range on his jump shot allowing him to space the floor as well as having the athletic ability and strength to work in the post. Bennett will need some work to become a power forward full-time, but could potentially be a great fit alongside a long defender like Anthony Davis.
7. Sacramento Kings – Alex Len, C
7’1”, 255 lbs, Maryland, Sophomore
The Kings have no shortage of talented young players on their roster, but they are yet to find a true identity or achieve much success as a result. Next season could be an opportunity for the team to make a big jump and selecting a high-potential big man like Alex Len could prove to be a huge acquisition long term. Len has great size for an NBA center, a rare mix of coordination and energy for a man his size and a natural feel for the game. On size and effort alone Len will be a solid rebounder and paint protector, but he has the potential to be a defensive anchor as well as a consistent post presence offensively. If he lived up to his defensive potential he could form an imposing frontcourt tandem with DeMarcus Cousins.
8. Detroit Pistons – Shabazz Muhammad, SF
6’6”, 225 lbs, UCLA, Freshman
Shabazz Muhammad has seen his draft stock slowly fall all season and the draft combine did him no favors in that regard. He is, however, one of the few players in this draft class with the potential to be 20-plus point scorer in the league if he reaches his potential. The recent drop in his stock may push him to work and prove the doubters wrong. The Pistons have a wonderful young frontcourt to build around and will hope Brandon Knight can continue developing as a point guard. Muhammad could be the ideal wing scorer to add to the impressive core.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves – C.J. McCollum, PG/SG
6’3”, 197 lbs, Lehigh, Senior
The Timberwolves have built a tremendous group of young players but endured a tough season with injuries that was a major setback to their development. They have one of the best passing point guards in the league in Ricky Rubio and possibly the most productive big man in Kevin Love. What they have lacked is a consistent scoring threat from the perimeter and what better way to address that then with the leading scorer in the NCAA, C.J. McCollum. While slightly undersized for the NBA shooting guard spot, McCollum is a high volume, versatile scorer with deep range and the ability to create for himself off the dribble. He would fit very well with the pass-first mentality of Rubio.
10. Portland Trail Blazers – Rudy Gobert, C
7’2”, 238 lbs, France
One player who has seen his draft stock skyrocket recently is big man Rudy Gobert out of France. Gobert had some unbelievable measurements at the draft combine and at more than 7’2” with a 7’9” wingspan, Gobert will be among the biggest players in the NBA. He is a tremendous force in the paint on the defensive end with his length but also has a solid feel for the game for a man his size. He moves well, is a good athlete and extremely coordinated for someone with his amazing physical traits. Not only does Gobert compliment All-Star big man LaMarcus Aldridge perfectly in the Portland frontcourt, but fellow Frenchman Nicolas Batum would make the adjustment to the NBA easier for his fellow countryman.
11. Philadelphia 76ers – Cody Zeller, PF/C
7’0”, 230 lbs, Indiana, Sophomore
The 76ers’ main question this offseason will be the status of free-agent big man Andrew Bynum. With the uncertainty around Bynum and a lack of any potential stars in the frontcourt, the 76ers will look to this big-man heavy draft class to fill out their roster. Zeller was one of the most productive players in college basketball this season and if it wasn’t for concerns over his length, he would be a lock for a top-10 selection. A true 7-footer with a versatile offensive game ranging from a solid mid-range jumper to some nifty back-to-the-basket moves, Zeller should be able to contribute relatively quickly from either frontcourt position in the NBA.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Toronto) – Kelly Olynyk, C
7’0”, 234 lbs, Gonzaga, Junior
While the Thunder were a force in the regular season, there are still some obvious holes in their team, namely a scoring threat in the low post. Kelly Olynyk was arguably the best player in the NCAA this season and has tremendous offensive skills for a 7-footer. Olynyk can work in the post and produce points for himself but would also provide a consistent pick-and-pop option for the isolation-heavy Thunder offense. While there are some concerns over his defense and length, Serge Ibaka could be the perfect frontcourt compliment to Olynyk, especially while he adjusts to the NBA.
13. Dallas Mavericks – Michael Carter-Williams, PG
6’6”, 184 lbs, Syracuse, Sophomore
There are huge question marks over the direction of the Dallas Mavericks this summer especially with their sights set on the big-name free agents. If the Mavericks keep the pick, Michael Carter-Williams would be a great fit for a team that needs a primary ball handler and point guard of the future. At 6’6”, Carter-Williams is a unique prospect, he is a true point guard with a pass-first mentality who gets a large number of steals with his ball pressure and has the length to defend both guard positions.
14. Utah Jazz – Dennis Schroeder, PG
6’2”, 165 lbs, Germany
Dennis Schroeder has seen his draft stock shoot up after impressing at the Nike Hoops Summit and then again in limited action at the draft combine. Schroeder is rumored to have a promise in the first round of the draft, which resulted in his limited participation at the combine and there are a number of teams that would love to add a point guard with the potential of Schroeder. He has great size, length and speed for the position, has a good handle and while he is a pass-first guard, he has the ability to score himself as well. Due to his size and mobility, he also has tremendous defensive potential for a point guard. He would be an ideal fit with the young big men in Utah.
15. Milwaukee Bucks – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG
6’6”, 204 lbs, Georgia, Sophomore
The Milwaukee Bucks may be facing a complete overhaul in the backcourt with their three highest-minute players all being free agents in the offseason. With the uncertainty around their existing backcourt players and the lack of perimeter scoring, the Bucks could look to Georgia’s Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to replace some of the outgoing firepower. Caldwell-Pope is a talented scorer with deep range who is capable of scoring in bunches from anywhere on the court. He would provide good spacing and a solid offensive threat alongside the Milwaukee big men.
16. Boston Celtics – Steven Adams, C
7’0”, 255 lbs, Pittsburgh, Freshman
Steven Adams was one of the most impressive attendees at the draft combine, both with his physical measurements as well as his somewhat surprisingly high skill level. Adams has tremendous raw potential with his mix of size, strength and mobility, it is only a big-man heavy draft class that will keeps him out of the lottery at this stage. The Celtics would love to add a big, defensive center to help alleviate their problems on the glass as well as finding someone to protect the paint when All-Star Kevin Garnett is not on the floor. Whether they are looking to rebuild or someone to help right away, the Celtics would love to add a player with Adams’ size and skill set with the 16th pick.
17. Atlanta Hawks – Giannis Adetokunbo, SF
6’9”, 196 lbs, Greece
With back to back selections in the draft, huge questions over free agents in the offseason and uncertainty over the makeup of the team next season, the Atlanta Hawks swing for the fences here with Greek forward Giannis Adetokunbo. Adetokunbo has immense potential as a 6’9” forward who can handle the ball, create for teammates and has exceptional defensive tools. While he may take some time to develop, Adetokunbo is among the highest potential players in the class.
18. Atlanta Hawks (via Houston) – Mason Plumlee, C
7’0”, 238 lbs, Duke, Senior
On the other end of the scale with their second pick, the Hawks select Mason Plumlee, the hard-working, experienced senior out of Duke. Plumlee is one big man likely to be kept waiting on draft day while higher potential prospects are taken in the lottery, but he should be able to contribute immediately in the NBA. He is hard working, hustles for rebounds on both ends and is a high-IQ player. He can contribute on both ends of the floor without being spectacular, while unlikely to become a star Plumlee is smart and talented enough to carve out a role on a winning team.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers (via L.A. Lakers) – Sergey Karasev, SF
6’7”, 197 lbs, Russia
With luck in the draft lottery and a roster fast looking like one of the most talented young squads in the league the Cavaliers get another opportunity to add a player from this class courtesy of the Lakers. Sergey Karasev is a multi-talented, knock-down outside shooter with professional experience and a natural feel for the game. Not just a shooter, Karasev is a willing passer and could be a perfect fit with the rest of the Cavaliers’ young stars.
20. Chicago Bulls – Gorgui Dieng, C
6’11”, 230 lbs, Louisville, Junior
After an inspiring playoff run this season and the return of Derrick Rose, the Bulls will be looking to contend for the NBA championship next season and will look to fill out their roster with role players who can contribute to a winning team. Gorgui Dieng fits the bill perfectly with his experience in the Louisville program, having just come off an NCAA championship where he was the defensive anchor, Dieng looks to be an exceptional defensive role player in the NBA and could provide minutes immediately for a Chicago team that has lost some impactful bench players in recent times.
21. Utah Jazz (via Golden State) – Jamaal Franklin, SG
6’5”, 191 lbs, San Diego State, Junior
While they continue to fill out a talented young roster, the Jazz will also look to form an identity as the team develops. Jamaal Franklin is a versatile, hardworking player who mostly played the forward position in the NCAA but should be able to adjust to the NBA shooting guard without too much concern. He is a great athlete, will compete defensively, work for loose balls and bring the right attitude to a young team.
22. Brooklyn Nets – Jeff Withey, C
7’0”, 222 lbs, Kansas, Senior
The Brooklyn Nets will be looking to make a drastic improvement after being eliminated in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. While they will look to address holes elsewhere, selecting senior big man Jeff Withey would give them a player who can immediately come in and provide rim protection, rebounding and is a high-IQ player who would not play beyond his limitations.
23. Indiana Pacers – Tim Hardaway Jr., SG
6’6”, 185 lbs, Michigan, Junior
Tim Hardaway Jr. was often the vocal leader of a young Michigan team that went all the way to the NCAA championship game and he displayed a variety of skills along the way. Hardaway has good size for the NBA shooting guard position and is a good outside shooter, but also provides solid ball handling and the ability to run an offense as a point guard for extended stretches. His intensity and willingness to work on the defensive end would fit perfectly with the Pacers and he could immediately provide backup minutes to Lance Stephenson at the 2 guard.
24. New York Knicks – Tony Mitchell, PF
6’9”, 236 lbs, North Texas, Sophomore
Tony Mitchell is a relentless rebounder with great tenacity and hustle in the paint that would be a welcome addition to an ageing New York frontcourt. Mitchell has great physical gifts and a willingness to do the dirty work inside, which will lead to offensive rebounds, putbacks and drawing fouls on the opposition. With a group of isolation scorers on the wing, adding a willing workhorse in the paint would serve the Knicks well.
25. Los Angeles Clippers – Archie Goodwin, SG
6’5”, 189 lbs, Kentucky, Freshman
The Los Angeles Clippers’ heavy reliance on Chris Paul was on full display in the postseason as the team failed to get any consistent offense when the All-Star point guard was off the court or being smothered defensively. Archie Goodwin is a player who can create his own shot, has tremendous speed and can work his way past defenders into the paint for layups and free throws. With good size, strength and speed for either guard position Goodwin is a high potential pick this late in the draft.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis) – Allen Crabbe, SG
6’6”, 197 lbs, California, Junior
The Timberwolves will continue to look to the draft to fill out their need for scoring on the wings and Allen Crabbe is one of the best pure shooters available. Crabbe would instantly provide a knock-down shooter who could space the floor for the stars in Minnesota, while he has the size to become a solid defender on the wings as well.
27. Denver Nuggets – Shane Larkin, PG
5’11”, 171 lbs, Miami, Sophomore
Shane Larkin wowed everyone at the draft combine with his speed, agility and athleticism that will help him make up for concerns over his size. With question marks over Andre Miller’s fit as the backup point guard on a young, athletic team in Denver, Larkin could come in and provide a very similar style of play to starting point guard Ty Lawson with his ability to run the break, create for others but also look for his own offense.
28. San Antonio Spurs – Dario Saric, SF
6’10”, 223 lbs, Croatia
The San Antonio Spurs select a high potential international prospect … sound familiar? The Spurs were again among the best teams in the league and will again look to find players they can develop long term in their system and bring out the best in their young prospects. With a roster of players from all over the globe there would be no better landing spot for Saric who is a talented, versatile forward with a high skill level for a man his size. A great passer, he can handle the ball and shoot from the outside but will need to work on his defense to play the small forward in the NBA.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder – Reggie Bullock, SF
6’7”, 200 lbs, North Carolina, Junior
Reggie Bullock is one of the best outside shooters in the draft and with his experience at North Carolina could provide some useful minutes immediately in the NBA. He has good size on the wings, plays with great energy and most importantly, could spread the floor for the stars in Oklahoma City.
30. Phoenix Suns (via Miami) –Glen Rice, SF
6’6”, 211 lbs, D-League
One of the best stories in the draft, Glen Rice made the most of a bad opportunity and became the D-League finals MVP after leaving college. Rice is a great shooter with a great deal of potential as a scorer in the NBA. Playing alongside Goran Dragic and Kendall Marshall in Phoenix would give him the opportunity to get open looks and on a team looking for scoring as they rebuild he could actually put up impressive numbers sooner rather than later if he works hard.